About Me, Brandee Keyonnie

Introduction: 

Hello, my name is Brandee Keyonnie. I am Diné (Navajo). I am Tódík'ózhi (which is my mother's first clan: Salt Water Clan), born for the Honágháahnii people (my father's clan: One who walks around), my third clan coming from my maternal grandfather Kinyaa'áanii (The Towering House), and my last clan coming from my paternal grandfather 'ÁshĮĮhíí (Salt People). I am from two small towns in the Navajo Nation where my parents were raised: Low Mountain, AZ, and Dilkon, AZ. 

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Bio: 

I am a current graduate student enrolled in the Biology, Master of Science program with an emphasis in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology. During the duration of my time enrolled in this program I will be conducting ecological research using remote sensing and dendrochronology techniques to study the impacts that carbon dioxide under climate change has on the physiological development (growth rate) of Pinyon Pine (Pinus edulis) trees. During my research I also want to learn and research restoration techniques that integrate modern science (Western) and Indigenous knowledge also known as Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) that help in the restoration of these trees as they are a keystone species to many tribes and wildlife that reside within and around these Pinyon Pine woodlands. ​​

Outside of school and classes I am a current mentor that works with the Flagstaff Native American Club students to continue on a capstone project known as the Hopi Heritage garden. The purpose of this garden is to build a Hopi house that celebrates the Hopi culture and celebrates climates wisdom. To illustrate climate resilience by planting perennial plants around the Hopi house that are drought resistant and by using natural materials from the earth to build the structure. How we added onto this project is through the planting and propagating of bought and donated traditional and medicinal herbs used by many tribes around the world to be used by the students. With propagated plants we will be planting pollinator plants along paths that lead to the Kinłani Dormitory to allow pollinators to travel along the path and in a way that showcases corn pollen (respected traditional medicine) being spread along the paths to protect those traveling these paths.  

I also hold board member positions for two nonprofit organizations (Keepers of the Indigenous Community Culture Center and Indigenous Circle of Flagstaff) that work to stay involved in projects that affect change for Unsheltered relatives, Indigenous tribal communities, the protection of sacred sites, the promotion of indigenous language and culture. Currently we are working on creating the first Indigenous Community Culture Center in Flagstaff that will be built from the voices and visions of the community that include students, parents, youth, elders, and adults.